The Space Between.

Matchmaking & New Relationships

Nicole interviews Laurie Berssack MSW of Carolina's Matchmaker, about how matchmaking can help people (especially post-divorce) rebuild confidence, get off the apps, and date with more intention. The conversation blends practical dating advice with Nicole’s legal lens on separation/divorce realities and how dating can complicate a case even when it’s technically allowed. Key takeaways 0) The hardest part of matchmaking: unrealistic expectations Lori says many clients come in looking for a “perfect robot” partner—hyper-specific, unrealistic ideals—rather than focusing on the foundational traits that actually make relationships work. When people cling to perfection, they often stay single. 0) “Foundations” matter more than the wish list Lori’s core matching foundations include: * Faith / values * Kids (have/want/don’t want) * Politics / worldview (especially if someone is strongly aligned) * Lifestyle vision (how they want life to look) * Temperament compatibility (introvert/extrovert is flexible, foundations are not) 0) “Second partner” advice: don’t overcorrect They discuss how many people pursue the opposite of their ex and swing too far. Lori recommends a “rebuild” phase: therapy/self-work, self-care, releasing bitterness, and owning your part in what happened. A major readiness red flag is anger/resentment with no self-reflection. Lori’s core advice: * Do the self-work and build confidence (gym, style, wellness, therapy) * Use online dating carefully (it can work) * Join repeat-exposure environments: charity work, intramural sports, gym, yoga, faith communities—anything where you see the same people regularly * Chemistry can grow over time; one date isn’t always enough * Nicole adds: go to the same places at the same times to build community post-divorce 0) Dating “rules” and norms (with a lively debate) 10) Love bombing + early red flags They define love bombing as “relationship-speeding” behavior (over-texting, big future plans, intense gestures early). Lori’s advice: * Stay open to love, but notice intensity * Don’t get emotionally hooked too fast * If it feels off, slow down and gut-check with friends * She shares an example where intrusive questions early on signaled a problem and she advised her client to end it 0) Body/fitness questions + honesty in photos They discuss the reality that people use outdated/edited photos. Lori supports stating preferences like “fit,” but warns against requests like “send more pics” early—she frames that as a red flag and notes modern risks (including AI misuse). Her solution: professional, current photos (including full-length) so there’s no bait-and-switch. 0) Rapid-fire ending: the “one rule” Lori’s #1 rule for choosing a partner: pick someone you feel safe with (physically, emotionally, financially) and attracted to—she says successful couples describe that “safe + attracted” gut feeling.

The Yoga of Divorce

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Nicole Sodoma sits down with long-time friend and wellness guide Johnna Smith to explore the emotional “space between” — that transitional phase between separation, heartbreak, or major life changes, and the renewed sense of self that follows. Together, they explore how holistic practices like yoga, meditation, nutrition, life coaching, and even weightlifting can serve as transformative tools to help people reconnect to their inner clarity, manage anxiety and panic, and build emotional resilience during life’s most uncertain moments. Key Themes & Takeaways 🧠 Emotional Wellness & Panic Recovery Both Nicole and Johnna share their personal experiences with panic attacks, anxiety, and the emotional fog of separation. Janna explains that healing requires first acknowledging difficult emotions—grief, shame, guilt, fear—rather than bypassing them. Forgiveness, she says, comes after grace and inner reckoning. 🧘 The Power of Daily Practices Johnna emphasizes “strong body, strong mind” as her go-to mantra. Physical movement, even simple actions like squats, jumping jacks, or short 3-minute routines, can activate the body’s natural feel-good chemistry (dopamine, serotonin, testosterone) and shift the nervous system out of survival mode. Nicole shares how writing became her own meditative practice during the hardest moments of her separation. 💬 Self-Agency & the Practice of Ahimsa Janna discusses ahimsa, the yogic principle of non-harming, starting with how we treat ourselves. Empowering people to recognize their agency and choices—even in dark times—is at the core of her work. Through visualization, presence, and body-based mindfulness, clients can start to imagine better outcomes and slowly begin to believe in their ability to create them. 🌀 The Brain-Body Connection Citing neuroscience, Janna explains that the brain can’t distinguish between real and imagined events. Visualizing taking steps toward change actually helps rewire the brain for action. The “physiological sigh” (a double inhale followed by a long exhale) is introduced as a 30-second reset tool to calm anxiety and regain clarity—described as a form of micro-meditation. 🧘‍♀️ Guided Visualization Toward the end of the episode, Johnna leads listeners through a gentle, calming visualization practice to build feelings of: Connection Support Confidence Trust in the unknown. Listeners are encouraged to revisit memories of being truly seen and loved—and expand those feelings in their bodies as a way to make grounded, clear choices even in times of upheaval. 🧭 Final Message “You have so much more choice and control than you think—even in the hardest moments.” Johnna reminds us that we can stay high-functioning during low points by caring for our minds and bodies with intention. Her practical and compassionate coaching style meets people exactly where they are, guiding them toward wellness, vitality, and personal power. 🔗 Connect with Johnna Instagram: ⁨@johnnayoga⁩ Website: thrivewisecoach.com, [http://thrivewisecoach.com] tejashaktiyogaschool.com [https://www.tejashaktiyogaschool.com/] SODOMALAW.COM [http://SODOMALAW.COM]

WTF Divorce - Advice & First Steps to Take

Nicole Sodoma and Rob Roseman of WTF Divorce go over their experiences of their own divorces, as well as their experiences with those that they counsel going through separation and divorce.

Personal Growth & The Journey of Being A Female Leader

The Space Between: Haley Amo & the Next Chapter of Sodoma Law In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Space Between, Nicole Sodoma sits down with attorney Haley Amico as she prepares to open and lead the brand-new Sodoma Law Raleigh office. From day one at the firm to stepping into a leadership role, Haley reflects on her personal and professional journey, her fierce courtroom presence, and her deep-rooted passion for family law. ✨ Highlights include: * Haley’s transition from attorney to office leader — and what this “space between” means to her * The sentimental story behind her horseshoe necklace (hint: it involves horses, family, and freedom) * Why she chose family law — and how it became more than a profession, but a calling * How client relationships have shaped her, from lemon poppy seed bread to shark scrunchies * The importance of mentorship, firm culture, and advocating for the next generation of attorneys * Real talk on burnout, compassion fatigue, and learning to pour from a full cup * Nicole’s signature daycare story — and the lesson that changed Haley’s perspective on being a truly human lawyer Whether you're an attorney, client, or simply someone navigating your own “space between,” this episode is a reminder that strength, vulnerability, and leadership often live side by side. 📍 SodomaLaw.com [http://SodomaLaw.com] serves the Carolinas in the Raleigh, Charlotte & Greenville areas.

Unfiltered Honest & Raw: A mother & daughters shared perspectives on divorce

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of "The Space Between," Nicole Sodoma sits down with her mother, Jill Lewis, for a candid conversation about the emotional complexities of divorce across generations. Nicole, the founder and leader of Sodoma Law, and Jill, a community advocate and experienced financial advisor, openly explore their personal journeys through divorce, discussing how their experiences shaped their views on love, commitment, resilience, and family. Together, Nicole and Jill tackle tough subjects including generational attitudes toward separation, the impact of divorce on children, the role of apologies and conflict resolution, and how societal perceptions of marriage and relationships have evolved over time. Jill shares deeply personal reflections about her own divorce and how she coped with emotional challenges, while Nicole reveals insights from her own separation, highlighting how witnessing her parents' divorce influenced her professional path and parenting approach. This engaging discussion sheds light on the importance of healthy boundaries, effective communication, emotional maturity, and the need for intentional parenting during difficult family transitions. Nicole and Jill courageously address taboo topics and share lessons learned, ultimately offering valuable insights for those navigating similar life experiences.